Head of Department Design Technology

Dixons Ashton Academy, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, OL6 8RF

10 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  12 April 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  13 March 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Head of department or curriculum
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4
• Subject: Design and technology
• Working pattern: Full time: AYR,32.5hrs/week, Monday - Friday
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: MPS/UPS
• Additional allowances:

  TLR2a

What skills and experience we're looking for

Leadership & Management

Proven experience leading or coordinating a department or subject area

Ability to develop and implement a clear vision for Design & Technology across the school

Experience managing and supporting teaching staff, technicians, and trainees

Ability to delegate responsibilities and monitor departmental performance

Leading departmental meetings and driving improvement initiatives

Experience managing departmental budgets and resource allocation

Strategic planning for curriculum development and department growth

Teaching & Learning Expertise

Strong subject knowledge across Design & Technology disciplines (e.g., product design, resistant materials, electronics, engineering and food technology.

Consistently outstanding or highly effective classroom teaching

Ability to model excellent teaching practice and support colleagues' development

Expertise in curriculum design and sequencing from KS3 to KS4

Experience preparing students for GCSE DT qualifications

Ability to use data to improve student progress and attainment

Knowledge of inclusive teaching strategies and differentiation

Curriculum Development

Designing and implementing a broad, balanced and engaging DT curriculum

Aligning curriculum with National Curriculum and exam board specifications

Incorporating modern design practices, digital technologies and industry links

Leading project-based learning and design thinking methodologies

Assessment & Quality Assurance

Monitoring student progress and analysing performance data

Developing and moderating internal assessments and coursework

Ensuring standardisation of marking across the department

Conducting lesson observations and learning walks

Supporting staff with performance management and professional development

Health & Safety Management

Strong understanding of workshop and practical health & safety requirements

Ensuring compliance with CLEAPSS guidance and risk assessments

Maintaining safe use of machinery, tools, and equipment

Training staff and students on safe working practices

Resource & Facilities Management

Managing workshops, studios, equipment, and materials

Budget planning and purchasing resources efficiently

Overseeing maintenance and replacement of specialist equipment

Working effectively with DT technicians

Staff Development

Leading departmental CPD and sharing best practice

Supporting staff with curriculum delivery and assessment strategies

Wider School Contribution

Contributing to whole-school improvement priorities

Organising competitions, exhibitions, trips, and enrichment activities

Promoting careers in design, engineering, and manufacturing

Professional Skills

Strong organisational and time-management skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to motivate students and staff

Problem-solving and innovative thinking

Passion for design, creativity, and practical learning

What the school offers its staff

Why choose Dixons Ashton Academy? (Formally Great Academy Ashton)

Dixons Ashton Academy is a thriving and ambitious 11-16 academy serving 1,300 students from across Tameside, Oldham and Manchester.

The academy is the beating heart of its community and is proud of its rich diversity, with over 30 languages spoken by students. As part of Dixons Academies Trust, the academy is committed to providing an exceptional education and creating an environment where every young person thrives.

• We believe that people, more than strategy, create value - we all belong and grow together
• '9 in 10' for teachers: our innovative strategy providing greater flexibility and agency
• Consistent behaviour and expectations; teachers can teach and students can learn
• Fortnightly coaching for all staff
• Schemes of work fully resourced and ready

Why choose Dixons Academies Trust?

Our mission is to challenge educational and social disadvantage in the North. As a school trust, we are committed to making a difference where it matters most through delivering exceptional education in our schools in Bradford, Leeds, Liverpool and Greater Manchester, which include primaries, secondaries, all-throughs and a standalone sixth form.

• We are values driven: we work hard on the things that matter, with humility; we are good and kind; we are motivated by mastery, autonomy and purpose.
• We have been challenging educational and social disadvantage for over 30 years.
• We have launched a bold flexible working policy to give our teachers more time back.
• We are ambitious for every child and highly inclusive.
• We have an innovative approach to central operations which allows educators to focus on teaching and learning.
• We prioritise the professional development and growth of all our staff; every member of Team Dixons receives regular coaching.
• We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce and our staff work collaboratively to share resources and reduce workload.
• We offer hybrid working arrangements and free on-site parking.
• We have a wealth of benefits and salary sacrifice schemes (private health, lifestyle benefits and discounts).

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Dixons Ashton Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 16
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1299 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Dixons Ashton Academy website
• Email address: laura.schofield@gaa.org.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/great-academy-ashton

Great Academy Ashton is part of Great Academies Education Trust
To Teach Age Range: 11-16. At GAA, our mission is to metamorphosise the life chances of the young people from the community we serve. We are looking for committed individuals who share our values of Genuine, Respect, Excellence, Achievement, and Togetherness (GREAT) and who can help us deliver on our mission.

Arranging a visit to Dixons Ashton Academy

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email laura.schofield@gaa.org.uk.

School location

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